The Brooklyn area sewer rehabilitation project emerged as a primary focus, underscoring its importance due to the substantial financial commitment and the need for infrastructure updates. The project, which has progressed from 38% to 46% completion of lateral installations, faced challenges including a slow work pace that necessitated an on-site meeting with the vendor. As a result of this intervention, improvements were noted, although concerns about high traffic safety measure costs were raised. The committee is working to manage these expenses while ensuring adherence to safety standards.

In addition to the Brooklyn area efforts, the committee discussed the Belmont Drive trunk line rehabilitation project, projected to cost around $4 million in future years. This project addresses the deterioration of the pump station’s electronic controls and systems, and its timing aligns with long-term planning for maintaining the area’s sewer infrastructure. The West Canal Road pump station rehabilitation was also deferred beyond the five-year plan, with a $350,000 allocation for land purchase to secure property for future development. The Commerce Drive pump station rehabilitation is another key project, set to begin construction in 2025, following a site walkthrough that addressed the bypass plan.

The Franklin Sewerage Authority’s ongoing efforts also include the Somerset Street pump station rehabilitation, which was reported as completed, alongside the final administrative processes for payment and certification. The high bay garage project was discussed, focusing on the collaboration with a land surveyor to outline conservation areas and the design of a drainage system that requires approval from the Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission.

Financially, the authority presented updates on federal grant money administered by Somerset County and Franklin Township, with $2,843,874.35 received from the county out of an allocated $3 million, and approximately $629,857.35 received from the township out of $2 million. This grant funding, earmarked for the Brooklyn project, covers about half of its costs.

The budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal cycle was introduced, with a projected revenue rate increase of 2.9%. The budget’s foundation included a new connection fee set at $3,915 and an increased user rate to $410 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) per year. The budget’s revenue projection stands at approximately $17.5 million, contingent on the proposed user rate increase. The appropriations were outlined.

Additionally, the committee adopted several resolutions by consent agenda, covering routine financial matters such as payroll, operating expenses, and renewals. Specific resolutions were individually voted on, including a fence easement agreement for property on Shirley Avenue, a license agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for access to a pump station, and adjustments to the sewer connection fee for the upcoming fiscal year. Authorization was granted for the purchase of electricity supply services via online auction, and a maintenance agreement for telephone equipment was renewed.

Safety issues were briefly addressed, confirming no accidents or injuries for the month. As the meeting concluded, it was confirmed that there was no need for an executive session, and the meeting was adjourned with unanimous approval.